'Waxed' fruit, vegetables in UAE not harmful

The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has confirmed that the layer of wax, which covers most imported vegetables and fruit, should not be a cause for worry by consumers, the Arabic daily newspaper ‘Emarat Al Youm’ has said.

ADFCA stressed that the wax is made of natural materials that protect the fruit from oxidation and dehydration .

The body also said UAE specifications (FDS/CAC 192: 2014) allow the use of waxes and varnishes for preserving the quality of fruit.

ADFCA was responding to recent discussions on social networking sites about whether fruit and vegetables covered in wax is safe to consume.

Some thought that the layer of wax is harmful and difficult to be removed with water.

Some said cleaning agents such as dishwashing liquid is needed to remove the wax..

Thamer Al Qasimi, Acting Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, told Emarat Al Youm the natural protective layer of the fruit goes when they are washed before being packed for export. Fruit like apple are washed to get rid of dust and pesticides.

Qasimi said some farmers and traders then use wax extracted from natural materials which are not harmful for human health, according to local and international studies conducted.

He said these materials are usually candela, algarroba wax, natural bees wax and lecithin which are international certified safe food additives extracted from natural products and not from oil or mineral products. They have no side effects, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. A few drops of wax is enough for one fruit.

He said not only apples but many vegetables and fruit and some kinds of cheese like cheddar and edam are covered with wax which is easy to remove.

Using detergents is not recommended for removing the wax. It can be removed with warm water and a scrub brush or rinsing fruit and vegetables in a solution of natural vinegar in the ratio of 10ml per litre of water or washing the product in water containing a teaspoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of soda, he said.
 

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